John Glenn Columbus International Airport

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) serves Columbus, Ohio's capital and largest city. Named after astronaut and senator John Glenn, a native Ohioan, the airport is located 10 km east of downtown and handles the growing central Ohio region.

The airport has two concourses (B and C) connected post-security. A modern, mid-sized facility that's easy to navigate.

Key airlines: Southwest (hub status), American, Delta, United, Frontier, Allegiant, and various domestic carriers.

CMH is conveniently located near downtown:

• To downtown Columbus: 10 km, 12-20 minutes
• To Ohio State University: 12 km, 15-25 minutes
• To Short North: 10 km, 12-20 minutes
• To Easton Town Center: 8 km, 10-15 minutes

Uber and Lyft operate at CMH.

• To downtown: $18-25
• To Ohio State campus: $20-28
• To Short North: $18-25

Taxis available from ground transportation:

• Metered rates
• Generally more expensive than rideshare

COTA Bus

COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) operates airport service:

• Route 7: Airport → downtown Columbus
• Journey time: 30-40 minutes
• Cost: $2.00
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes (limited evening/weekend)

Public transit is functional but limited. Rideshare is more practical for most visitors.

Type	Daily Rate	Notes
Short-Term Garage	$24/day	Terminal adjacent
Long-Term Garage	$14/day	Free shuttle
Economy Lot	$10/day	Further, shuttle service

Book online for discounts.

CMH has solid dining options:

Concourse B:

• Max & Erma's: Ohio chain, burgers
• Donatos Pizza: Ohio-based pizza
• Starbucks, Dunkin'

Concourse C:

• Piada Italian Street Food: Columbus favorite
• Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams: Columbus-born ice cream (must try)
• Various quick-service

Try: Jeni's Ice Cream—it started in Columbus and is exceptional.

Network: CMH Free WiFi

• Cost: Free
• Speed: Good
• No registration required

SIM cards from terminal stores or carrier stores in Columbus.

ATMs throughout the terminal.

• Ohio State merchandise (go Buckeyes!)
• News and convenience stores
• Basic retail

The Club CMH

• Location: Concourse C
• Access: Priority Pass, or ~$45 walk-in
• Amenities: Food, drinks, WiFi

Hotels are available near the airport and downtown. The Easton area has shopping and dining options close to CMH.

Columbus is the surprising Midwest gem—Ohio's capital combines Big Ten sports fervor, a thriving food scene, and creative neighborhoods:

Top attractions (with travel time from airport):

• Ohio State University campus: 20 min—massive campus, football Saturdays are legendary
• Short North Arts District: 20 min—galleries, restaurants, trendy shops
• German Village: 20 min—America's largest privately-funded historic district
• COSI: 15 min—excellent science museum
• Franklin Park Conservatory: 15 min—botanical gardens, glass art

Neighborhoods to explore:

• Short North: Arts, dining, nightlife, galleries
• German Village: Historic brick streets, Book Loft (32 rooms of books)
• Clintonville: Local shops, cafés, residential charm
• Italian Village: Hip restaurants, bars
• Arena District: Sports venues, entertainment

Food scene (Columbus punches above its weight):

• Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams: Started here, now nationally famous
• North Market: Historic public market, local vendors
• The Pearl: Oysters and cocktails
• Hot Chicken Takeover: Nashville-style hot chicken
• Katalina's: Pancake balls and brunch

Ohio State experience:

• The Shoe (Ohio Stadium): 100,000+ capacity, third-largest stadium in the world
• Football Saturdays: The entire city revolves around Buckeye football (fall)
• Script Ohio: The band's famous formation is iconic
• Rivalry: Michigan is the enemy; don't wear blue on game day

Local tips:

• OSU football: Fall Saturdays are essentially a civic holiday
• Easton Town Center: Major outdoor shopping center near airport
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; hot summers, cold snowy winters
• Affordable: Columbus is cheap compared to coastal cities
• Growing city: One of few large US cities still growing rapidly
• LGBTQ-friendly: Large, visible community especially in Short North
• Columbus Crew: MLS team with passionate fanbase
• Brewing scene: Growing craft beer culture
• The city is more progressive than Ohio's reputation suggests
• "The Arch" in Short North is the neighborhood's symbol